What Can You Do With a Computer Engineering Degree? 9 Jobs for 2025

Computer engineering is a broad field focused on designing hardware and software, combining electrical engineering and computer science. A computer engineer designs and tests software and hardware to ensure all components work together. Computer engineering is a popular field with a good work-life balance, competitive salaries, and mentally engaging work.

Studying for a degree in computer engineering and working in this field presents many options for specializing in various disciplines and areas, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and mobile applications. Learn more about what a computer engineering degree entails and the jobs you can apply for when you graduate.

What is a computer engineering degree?

Computer engineering degrees focus on learning a combination of computer science, electrical engineering, and math to solve problems and design hardware and software. With such an expansive field, you can expect courses in math, software, hardware, embedded systems, computer programming, communications, and electronic circuits. Degree programs generally offer electives and specializations so you can focus on areas that align with your career goals.

What can you do with a computer engineering degree?

Computer engineering is an extensive field with ample opportunities to specialize in various areas. This means your career options are wide-ranging, including jobs in software and hardware development, web development, technical support, and systems analysis. Depending on the position, the following roles require a computer engineering degree, along with additional knowledge and skills.

1. Web developer

Average annual salary: $98,626 [1]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 8 percent [2]

Requirements: You’ll need to have a firm grasp of and familiarity with programming languages.

Web developers do more than design and develop websites; they also maintain them and work with applications. In this role, you ensure that your websites are functional, perform well, and handle desired traffic levels. You’re responsible for the website layout, design, and content, ensuring your designs are user-friendly. 

Duties include:

• Meeting clients to discuss their needs and specifications

• Designing and testing web pages and applications

• Writing code for the website

• Creating designs and content 

2. Systems analyst

Average annual salary: $117,804 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 11 percent [4]

Requirements: Courses in business are helpful. Some employers may prefer you have an MBA or a master’s degree in computer science.

Systems analysts support businesses and organizations by improving technology and systems to make processes more efficient and technology more effective. In this role, you may also suggest technology and tools that will benefit an organization. 

Duties include:

• Meeting with companies and organizations to discuss their technology needs

• Analyzing current processes and technology for effectiveness and evaluating costs and benefits

• Researching and suggesting technology and processes

• Designing, installing, and testing new systems

3. Hardware engineer

Average annual salary: $144,354 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 7 percent [6]

Requirements: Employers favor degree programs with ABET accreditation. Proficiency in programming is also a must. 

As a hardware engineer, you work with various computer hardware systems and products such as circuit boards, routers, processors, and memory devices, typically designing, developing, testing, and maintaining them. You work closely with software engineers who use your hardware, so having a good understanding of programming languages is essential.

Duties include:

• Designing new hardware

• Testing hardware and making changes for improvement

• Updating and maintaining hardware

• Overseeing the hardware manufacturing process

4. Database administrator 

Average annual salary: $110,649 [7]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 9 percent [8]

Requirements: Some employers may require a master’s degree focusing on data and an understanding of programming languages and database languages such as SQL.

As a database administrator, you’re responsible for using technology to develop systems to store and access company data, such as payroll records, confidential financial data, and shipping records. 

Duties include: 

• Designing and building databases according to users’ needs

• Ensuring databases and access are efficient and free of errors 

• Ensuring data is secure and that you have the correct permissions 

• Backing up data to avoid loss

5. Software developer

Average annual salary: $119,820 [9]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [10]

Requirements: You may need a master’s for some senior-level jobs. You’ll also need a background in computer programming. 

As a software developer, you’re responsible for creating computer applications and software that allow computers, applications, and devices to run on a network. You’ll work on all aspects of software development, including testing and maintenance. 

Duties include:

• Designing and developing software according to users’ needs

• Recommending upgrades to existing software

• Creating models and diagrams to instruct programmers on software code

• Documenting design and maintenance for future upgrades

6. Security analyst

Average annual salary: $127,372 [11]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [12]

Requirements: Employers may ask for relevant experience and security certifications, which vary depending on the job.

As a security analyst, your role is to secure and protect company systems, networks, and data from hackers, cyber attacks, viruses, and malware to safeguard critical data from theft and manipulation. 

Duties include:

• Monitoring and investigating security networks for intrusions and breaches

• Recommending security updates and new technology to enhance security

• Creating plans for emergencies and recovering lost data due to natural disasters

• Training staff and system users on security procedures and data safety

7. IT consultant

Average annual salary: $134,104 [13]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [14]

Requirements: You’ll need significant experience in your field.

As an IT consultant, you’ll have expertise in your area of specialization and will work with clients in an organization to improve existing IT systems, processes, and efficiency. You’ll train staff on new technology and infrastructure. 

Duties include: 

• Determining clients’ needs and suggesting upgrades and technological solutions

• Troubleshooting any current technological issues and providing solutions

• Training staff on new technology and processes

• Monitoring the progress of new IT systems

8. Game developer

Average annual salary: $97,539 [15]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [10]

Requirements: You’ll need to be a gamer with strong technical skills.

As a game developer, you design and develop user-friendly games. This includes writing or using existing code to develop characters and environments, and determining how a game plays out across levels. 

Duties include:

• Generating ideas and creating initial designs

• Using programming and coding to design and build games

• Working with artists and animators to design game features 

• Testing and debugging while following quality assurance procedures

9. Data scientist

Average annual salary: $150,383 [16]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 36 percent [17]

Requirements: Some employers may ask for a master’s degree or a doctoral degree and industry experience, depending on the level of job you’re applying for.

As a data scientist, you gather, clean, analyze, and gain insights from data to support businesses and organizations in decision-making processes. You use statistical data modeling techniques, programming, and machine learning tools to design algorithms, categorize data, and make predictions.

Duties include:

• Gathering, collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data

• Creating and using algorithms to predict patterns and trends

• Using data visualization tools to report findings

• Making suggestions and recommendations to decision-makers

Learn more about computer engineering with Coursera.

A computer engineering degree is very versatile, supporting your career advancement in many fields and roles. If you’ve already completed your degree and want to gain skills in a specific area, you can find a range of courses on Coursera. 

To use your computer engineering degree to move into software development, bolster your resume with a course like the Meta Android Developer Professional Certificate. If you plan to use your degree to specialize in data science, check out the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate.